10 Delicious Doughnut Recipes You Have to Try

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly glazed, fluffy doughnut, or perhaps a creamy, filled delight. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a doughnut enthusiast looking to expand your baking repertoire, these 10 delicious doughnut recipes will tantalize your taste buds and bring the joy of doughnuts right into your kitchen. From traditional yeasted to quick cake doughnuts, there's something for every palate and skill level. Let's dive into the delightful world of doughnuts!

1. Classic Glazed Doughnuts

Start with the basics:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₃ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

• Mix warm milk with yeast, let it sit until frothy.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Knead until dough is smooth.
• Let the dough rise until doubled in size, then roll out and cut into doughnut shapes.
• Fry in hot oil until golden, then dip in a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

🔔 Note: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure even frying; it should be around 350°F (175°C).

2. Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

For a chocolate twist:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ³⁄₄ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

• Combine dry ingredients. Mix in wet ingredients until just combined.
• Fill a doughnut pan with batter and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Once cooled, frost with chocolate ganache or dust with powdered sugar.

3. Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts

Here's how to make these nostalgic treats:

• 2 1/4 cups cake flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Canola oil for frying

Steps:

• Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Cream butter and sugar, add egg yolks and sour cream, then combine with dry ingredients.
• Roll out and cut doughnuts; fry until golden, then toss in cinnamon sugar while hot.

4. Boston Cream Doughnuts

Delight in these cream-filled delicacies:

• Follow Classic Glazed Doughnuts recipe
• Custard Filling:
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
• Chocolate Glaze:
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 3 oz bittersweet chocolate

Steps:

• Prepare and fry doughnuts as described in Classic Glazed recipe.
• Once cooled, inject or fill with custard, then top with chocolate glaze.

5. Strawberry-Filled Doughnuts

A fruity variation to enjoy:

• Use Classic Glazed Doughnuts dough
• Strawberry Filling:
  • 2 cups strawberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Steps:

• Cook strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and water until soft. Thicken with cornstarch. Cool before use.
• Fill doughnuts with cooled strawberry filling, then glaze or dust with sugar.

6. Vegan Doughnuts

Indulge in guilt-free doughnuts:

• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

• Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients. Bake in doughnut pan until golden.
• Glaze with a mixture of powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.

7. Lemon Poppy Seed Doughnuts

For a zesty and textured bite:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients, fill doughnut pan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Glaze with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest.

8. Maple Bacon Doughnuts

A sweet and savory treat:

• Use Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts dough
• Maple Glaze:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons milk
• Cooked Bacon

Steps:

• After frying doughnuts, dip in maple glaze, then top with crumbled bacon.

9. Jelly Doughnuts

A traditional favorite:

• Use Classic Glazed Doughnuts dough
• Your favorite jelly or jam

Steps:

• Fry doughnuts, let them cool, then inject with your chosen jelly or jam.

10. Cronuts (Croissant Doughnuts)

The modern marvel:

• Use croissant dough
• Deep fry, then glaze with a simple sugar glaze or dust with sugar

📌 Note: Making cronuts involves laminating the dough, which requires patience and precision to layer the butter properly.

In wrapping up this culinary journey, we’ve explored a wide array of doughnut recipes that cater to different tastes, dietary needs, and levels of baking expertise. From the light and fluffy Classic Glazed Doughnuts to the rich and decadent Cronuts, these recipes are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a way to connect with friends and family over a homemade delight. Baking is not just about feeding our cravings; it’s about creating memories, indulging in the joy of creation, and the satisfaction of sharing something made with love. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and let the dough rise; there’s a whole world of flavors waiting for you in your kitchen!

What’s the difference between yeast and cake doughnuts?

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Yeast doughnuts are lighter and fluffier due to the rising action of yeast. Cake doughnuts, on the other hand, use baking powder or soda, giving them a denser, crumb-like texture. Each type offers a unique taste and mouthfeel.

Can I make doughnuts gluten-free?

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Yes, you can! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends available in stores. Be sure to check the blend includes xanthan or guar gum to help with the texture since gluten provides structure in traditional doughnuts.

How do I prevent doughnuts from absorbing too much oil?

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To prevent your doughnuts from becoming greasy, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cold, the dough will absorb it. Also, don’t overcrowd the fryer, and allow doughnuts to drain on a paper towel-lined tray after frying.